Felene Vodka Recipes: Top 3 Cooking Recipes that Highlight Our Unique Spirit

Vodka Recipes

Some Vodka Recipes that are Sure to be a Hit this Summer

Cooking with Vodka can be a fabulous diversion from the ordinary routine. Vodka recipes vary from pasta to savory meats through the dessert course.



Vodka plays an important role in cooking, adding subtle enhancements to both flavor and texture. Its neutral taste makes it versatile in a variety of recipes. Often used in sauces, vodka helps emulsify ingredients, creating a smoother, creamier texture. For example, in the classic vodka sauce for pasta, it assists in binding cream and tomatoes without overwhelming the dish’s flavors.
Additionally, vodka’s alcohol content acts as a solvent for flavor compounds. It extracts flavors from herbs and spices, making them more pronounced in marinades and baked goods. Vodka’s ability to evaporate quickly during cooking also helps tenderize dough or crusts, especially in pie-making, where the alcohol leaves minimal moisture, resulting in a flaky, crisp texture.
When used in small amounts, vodka enhances the dish without leaving a strong alcohol taste, making it a popular choice for improving both savory and sweet recipes. From sauces to baked goods, vodka’s culinary contributions prove subtle yet transformative.

Tim Kelly, Master Distiller

Felene Vodka, a crystal-clear, organic sugarcane distilled spirit, has diverse applications for vodka recipes. Used in a variety of savory dishes and desserts, it will elevate and enhance flavors, tenderize ingredients, or add a distinct layer of complexity to the overall dish. Here are three popular recipes that include Felene vodka as a major ingredient, highlighting its versatility in cooking.

The silky-smoothness and clean finish of Felene sugarcane vodka makes it ideal for cooking recipes that call for vodka. Here are a few of our staff favorites

1. Penne Alla Vodka Recipe (ravioli alla vodka recipe)

This creamy Italian pasta dish is one of the most popular vodka recipes. It is a perfect blend of cream, tomatoes, and Felene vodka, resulting in a smooth, flavorful sauce that perfectly coats the penne. Penne tends to hold the sauce, as does rigatoni. For a delightful alternative, we tried homemade ravioli.

Fresh ricotta ravioli

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup vodka
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Preparation Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
  2. Add the vodka to deglaze the pan. Let it cook down for a few minutes.
  3. Add the chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
  4. Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  5. After the sauce has simmered, stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth.
  6. Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta well.
  7. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm.

2. Vodka-Marinated Steak

Vodka isn’t just for pasta sauces. In this vodka recipe, it serves as a tenderizer for steak, helping to break down the tough fibers of the meat.

New York strip steak cooked in cast-iron skillet

Ingredients

  • 1 cup vodka
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 lbs steak (such as ribeye or sirloin)

Preparation Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the vodka, olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, and black pepper.
  2. Place the steak in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the vodka marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s completely covered. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours for more flavor.
  3. Preheat your grill, cast-iron skillet or broiler. Remove the steak from the marinade and cook to your preferred level of doneness. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

3. Vodka Chocolate Truffles

Vodka even finds its way into the dessert course with these decadent, bite-sized truffles. They’re rich, creamy, and offer a subtle kick from the vodka. This vodka recipe is a great holiday crowd-pleaser. For this creation, we were inspired by COCO Confections in Glen Head, New York.

COCO Confections – Truffles made with Felene Blood Orange Flavored Vodka

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces semisweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons Blood Orange Vodka
  • Cocoa powder, for dusting

Preparation Instructions

  1. Place the chopped chocolate in a bowl. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream and butter until it just begins to simmer. 2. Pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate and let it sit for a minute or two, then stir until smooth and shiny.
  1. Stir in the vodka until well incorporated.
  2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until the mixture is firm enough to shape.
  3. Once firm, use a small scoop or spoon to form the mixture into balls. Roll each truffle between your palms to get a smooth, round shape.
  4. Dust the truffles with cocoa powder and serve. These can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Vodka isn’t just for cocktails. As demonstrated in these vodka recipes, it can play a significant role in a wide range of dishes, from hearty main courses to decadent desserts. Whether you’re simmering a creamy pasta sauce, marinating a steak, or whipping up a batch of rich truffles, vodka can enhance your cooking in surprising ways. Remember, the alcohol in vodka burns off during cooking, leaving behind an unmistakable depth of flavor that’s sure to impress at your next dinner party.

Kim Laderer

Kim Laderer-Veiga is the President of Felene Inc. Kim's unique and close-up knowledge of the on and off-premise alcohol business has given her a look into the trends and staples of the liquor industry. In the Kim Factor blog, Kim shares her expertise, her discoveries and her observations of the spirits business.

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